mPhase Technologies,
Inc. (OTCBB:XDSL - News) reported today that it has achieved a major milestone
in the development of its Smart NanoBattery Technology. mPhase reported that
it has successfully manufactured a six-inch silicon-based wafer containing its
key membrane (separator) technology. This separator is responsible for keeping
the Smart NanoBattery's chemicals separated until activated. The membrane's
unique surface and structure allows for control of a liquid on a nanostructured
surface.
Each six-inch-diameter silicon
wafer contains the separator material for 10 individual Smart NanoBatteries
with each battery consisting of 12 "smart cells." Beneath the specialized
wafer and contained within each of the smart cells, MEMS processing, microfluidics,
and nanotechnology come together to form a unique superhydrophobic honeycomb
structure. mPhase has figured out how to use these nano-structured surfaces
and technologies to control the battery's liquid electrolytes which mix with
the electrodes to create power. In the case of the Smart NanoBattery, the electrolytes
can be kept separated from the electrodes until power is needed. Conventional
batteries experience power dissipation as soon as the battery is assembled,
but mPhase has eliminated this issue by separating the electrolytes from the
electrodes. At the precise moment power is needed, the liquid electrolytes are
controlled to pass through the porous silicon membrane (separator) where they
will then come in contact with the electrodes to provide "Power on Command(tm)."
"This fabrication of the silicon membrane is a milestone achievement that
represents a key advancement in the STTR development program," said mPhase
CEO Ron Durando. "With each step forward, we are making technical advancements
that have never been accomplished before. This advancement creates the potential
for an unattended device to be powered by a battery with an unsurpassed shelf
life that can be electronically controlled."
The Smart NanoBattery is being developed as part of the U.S. Army STTR Program.
mPhase was awarded a two year Phase II development contract by the U.S. Army
in September 2008 to develop this unique new battery technology for military
purposes.